In recent years, there has been a growing fascination with natural remedies for skincare, and pumpkin oil has taken the world by storm. Derived from the humble pumpkin, this golden elixir has a rich history that dates back centuries. Let's dive into the origins and skin benefits of this remarkable oil.
Pumpkin oil, also known as pepita oil, finds its roots in Central Europe, particularly in countries like Austria and Hungary. The oil is extracted from pumpkin seeds, which have been a staple in the European diet for centuries. In fact, pumpkin seeds were consumed by Native American tribes long before the arrival of European settlers. The seeds and their oil were not only valued for their delicious taste but also for their remarkable health and skincare properties.
Pumpkin oil is a powerhouse of nutrients that can work wonders for your skin.
Here are some of the incredible benefits it offers:
Hydration and Moisturization: Pumpkin oil is rich in essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, which help maintain the skin's natural barrier. This, in turn, prevents moisture loss, keeping your skin hydrated and supple.
Antioxidant Protection: Loaded with vitamins A and E, pumpkin oil is a potent antioxidant that fights free radicals, which can cause premature aging and damage to the skin.
Acne Prevention: The oil contains zinc and selenium, known for their anti-inflammatory properties. This makes pumpkin oil an effective natural remedy for acne-prone skin, helping to reduce redness and inflammation.
Brightening Properties: Vitamin C in pumpkin oil can help fade dark spots and promote a more even skin tone, leaving your complexion looking radiant.
Skin Repair: The oil is rich in phytosterols, which promote skin repair and regeneration. This can be especially beneficial for those with sensitive or damaged skin.
You can find these wonderful benefits in our very own Supreme Anti-Age Remedy, which contains the wonders of pumpkin seed oil.
Pumpkin oil is not just a trendy skincare ingredient; it's a time-tested remedy with a rich history. By incorporating it into your daily skincare routine, you can unlock the potential for healthier, more radiant skin, all while connecting with centuries of natural beauty wisdom.
Recipe
In the spirit of autumn and the blooming atmosphere of pumpkins, I want to share with you one of my absolute favourite soups by Jamie Oliver with pumpkin and ginger and which doesn’t take more than an hour to make.
All you need is:
- 1 kg pumpkin
- 2 shallots
- 75 g ginger
- a few sprigs of fresh herbs , such as chives, mint
- extra virgin olive oil
- 1 litre organic vegetable stock
- 125 ml coconut milk , plus extra to serve
- ½ tablespoon chilli powder
- 1 lime
And all you have to do is:
- Deseed and roughly chop the pumpkin, peel and chop the shallots, then peel and finely grate the ginger. Pick and finely chop the herbs.
- Place the pumpkin, shallots, ginger and some oil in a large saucepan and sauté until soft.
- Add the stock, coconut milk and chilli powder. Season, then bring to the boil and simmer for 40 minutes.
- Blitz in a food processor then serve with the fresh herbs, lime juice and a splash of coconut milk.
Sarah Elahi – CEO & Product Developer
